The Best Affordable Pillows, Tested by Experts
These high-quality pillows will give you a great night's sleep without the hefty price tag.
Tested by Emma SeymourTextiles, Paper & Apparel Lab Associate Director
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Waking up with a crick in your neck can turn a productive day into one where you're counting down the minutes until it's over. A good quality pillow can make all the difference, but many of them come with a hefty price tag.
Luckily, there are budget-friendly options for all types of sleepers that won't break the bank and don't skimp on comfort, durability or quality. Whether you're looking for some relatively affordable pillows to stock your guest room or need a new permanent fix for yourself, these picks are perfect for side sleepers, back sleepers, down pillow lovers, and more.
Our top picks:
The Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab has decades of experience testing every type of pillow imaginable. You could say we're the experts when it comes to getting you a good night's sleep. Our fiber scientists and engineers have evaluated over 160 different pillows, and our latest tests resulted in over 4,000 data points from 400 different at-home testers. Alongside our consumer testers, we evaluate each pillow in our Lab for everything from durability and washability to ensuring each pillow fits in a Standard-size pillowcase. We run pressure recovery tests and laundering evaluations and ask our consumer testers to consider things like cooling capabilities and comfort. From memory foam pillows and latex pillows to down pillows and down-alternative pillows, whatever your sleep style, we've reviewed and tested the right pillow for you.
Check out our top picks, then head to the end of this guide to learn more about how we test and what to consider when picking out the best pillow for you.
Coop Home Goods Original Loft Pillow
Pros
- Can personalize your fill amount
- Great for all type of sleepers
- Machine washable cover and fill
Cons
- Adding or removing filling can be messy
You may already know that the Coop Original Loft Pillow is a favorite amongst the Good Housekeeping Institute staff, and is, in fact, one of the best pillows we've ever tested.
We can't get over how easy it is to customize this pillow to your sleep style since it comes with a bag of extra fill made of memory foam pieces and microfiber clusters. Although we found it to be a bit messy when adjusting the filling during our tests, we appreciated the ability to personalize your sleeping experience.
Our testers were pleasantly surprised to find that this pillow could be both supportive and squishy, facilitating a great night's sleep whether you're on your side, stomach or back. This pillow stands up to some of the most expensive ones we've tested, and we found it had no trouble maintaining its shape during our in-Lab pressure tests. Plus, the 40,000+ five-star Amazon reviews are certainly nothing to sneeze at.
READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Why the Coop Pillow Is the Best We've Ever Tested
| Fill material | Proprietary blend of medium-firm memory foam and microfiber fill |
| Cover material | 60% Polyester, 40% Viscose Rayon |
| Available sizes | Queen, King |
Pros
- Comes in a set of two
- Thinner option that's great for stomach sleepers
- Washes easily
Cons
- Can experience some fill shedding
This set of two down-alternative pillows from Amazon Basics checks two of our favorite boxes for pillows: affordable and comfortable. While we found these pillows to be a bit on the thin side while testing, they're great for stomach sleepers who don't need quite as much volume to have proper alignment while sleeping (or just for those that are looking for a less dense pillow).
Our testers appreciated that this style was soft and fluffy and found it to be a great option for kids whose smaller frames don't need quite as much support. In our tests, we also found it stood up well to multiple washing sessions and experienced minimal shrinkage, but did experience a bit of fill shedding.
RELATED: The 10 Best Pillows on Amazon
| Fill material | Polyester down alternative |
| Cover material | Polyester microfiber |
| Available sizes | Standard, King |
Tuft & Needle Premium Foam Pillow
Pros
- Great for multiple sleep positions
- Ventilation holes keep foam breathable
- Supportive yet soft
Cons
- A bit small inside Standard pillowcases
If smaller foam pieces and clusters aren't really your thing, this solid foam pillow by Tuft & Needle offers a denser feel for a more supported sleep.
Our testers liked that this firm pillow was able to maintain its shape without sacrificing softness. It had one of the highest scores overall for our memory foam pillow tests, and testers raved about its "perfect level of firmness" and ability to be "comfortable in multiple sleeping positions." It was a particular favorite of back sleepers.
The pillow features ventilation holes to ensure the solid foam is still breathable, and cooling gel to keep your head at a comfortable temperature all night long. We appreciated that in our Lab tests, it had no trouble bouncing right back to its original shape after we applied pressure, and the pillow cover washed well without shrinking or pilling. This pillow does have slightly smaller dimensions than an average pillow and therefore pillowcases fit a bit loosely.
| Fill material | Foam infused with graphite and cooling gel |
| Cover material | Micro Polyamide and Polyester |
| Available sizes | Standard, King |
Pros
- Keeps cool all night long
- Maintains shape
- Available in multiple sizes and firmness levels
Cons
- Not as supportive as some other picks
Hot sleepers will appreciate this cooling pillow from Slumber Cloud that works hard to keep your head from overheating while you sleep. Its temperature-regulating cover is made of Outlast viscose which stores and releases body heat to help you maintain a comfortable temperature.
While testing, we found that this down-alternative pillow has no trouble keeping its shape all night long. We also appreciate that it comes in a variety of sizes and firmness options and can be cleaned in the washing machine. It performed very well in our pressure recovery and laundering tests, making this a great option for anyone looking for a durable pillow.
| Fill material | Polyester down alternative |
| Cover material | Viscose with Outlast technology |
| Available sizes | Standard, King |
Naturepedic Organic Two-in-One Latex Pillow
Pros
- Double sided with two different fabrics and textures
- You can personalize the fill amount
- Certified organic by GOLS
Cons
- Not for people with latex allergies
Latex pillows combine the perfect bounce-back texture with cooling properties to help you stay more comfortable all night. This organic pillow from Naturepedic is especially unique because it is double-sided with two different fabrics and textures.
One side is stretchy — better for those that like the "sinking in" feeling of memory foam — and the other is quilted for a plush feel. Just like other latex pillows, our testers appreciate that this one is able to return to its original shape quickly and maintain a cool feeling for long periods of time.
We also like that its latex fill is shredded, so you can add or remove as much as you want to get the perfect amount of support for your sleep style. It's certified organic by the Global Organic Latex Standard. Keep in mind that if you have a latex allergy, this pillow is not the best choice for you no matter what cover you use.
| Fill material | Shredded latex |
| Cover material | Cotton |
| Available sizes | Standard, Queen, King |
Home Decorators Collection Down Surround Jumbo Pillow
Pros
- Made with RDS-certified down
- Holds the Good Housekeeping Seal
- Relatively low price for a down pillow
Cons
- Showed some signs of wear after extensive laundering
This fluffy and soft down pillow is particularly good for stomach sleepers. Although it comes at a low price, this pillow doesn't skimp on quality or comfort and even earned the Good Housekeeping Seal for its performance.
It has a unique design that features down on the outside for a soft, squishy sleep with feathers on the inside to help support your head. While testing, we found that it didn't show any signs of shrinkage after washing, but did show a bit of wear and tear after repeated laundering.
We also appreciate that it's made with Responsible Down Standard-certified down and is a medium-density pillow that makes it a good option for all sleeping styles.
| Fill material | Duck down and duck feathers |
| Cover material | Cotton |
| Available sizes | Jumbo, King |
Pros
- Unique contoured shape
- Firm and supportive
- One of the lowest price points on this list
Cons
- Smaller than an average pillow
Ikea fans can pick up this ultra-comfortable pillow on their next trip to the giant furniture store. With a price that can't be beat, this memory foam option features solid foam rather than shreds or clusters, making it a firmer option for those that need a bit more support. While the pillow is smaller than usual and fits quite loosely in a Standard pillowcase, it does come with its own machine-washable cover that we found washed well in our tests.
Our consumer testers and Lab experts alike particularly liked the contour of this pillow and a few even noted that it relieved their neck pain. The brand notes that the two different-sized sides of the contoured pillow are particularly good for switching between back and side sleepers, with the lower end better for back sleepers and the higher end better for side sleepers.
| Fill material | Polyurethane memory foam |
| Cover material | 99% polyester, 1% elastane |
| Available sizes | One size |
Pros
- Cooling gel helps with overheating
- Supportive for neck and shoulders
- Maintains original shape over time
Cons
- Blue cover can be seen through some pillowcases
Perfect for those that always seem to get a crick in their neck, our testers and pros found this pick from Allswell to be especially good for neck support. The solid foam features a cooling gel layer that helps keep you cool, making it helpful for those that tend to run a little hot. Our testers found this pillow to be incredibly supportive and comfortable. One tester even noted that she couldn't help but oversleep when using it.
While testing in the Lab, we found the pillow cover to hold up quite well to laundering, and we appreciated that it fit correctly in a Standard-sized pillow case, although the blue color could be seen through some light-colored pillowcases. The lightweight cover is breathable and helps enhance the pillow's cooling capabilities, according to the brand, and the memory foam had no trouble adapting to users' bodies while maintaining its original shape over time.
| Fill material | Memory foam with cooling gel layer |
| Cover material | 95% polyester and 5% spandex |
| Available sizes | Standard |
Pros
- Fits well inside standard pillowcase
- Maintains shape and size after washing
- More supportive than some other down picks
Cons
- Feathers sometimes poked out of the pillow
With two layers of down on the outside and feathers at the core, this pillow offers both softness and support. It also comes in two different firmness levels and in a pack of one or two pillows. We liked that this pillow fit perfectly inside a Standard pillowcase and that it didn't show any signs of shrinkage after laundering.
But, we did notice that, in some cases, feathers began to poke out of the pillow. While testing, we found that it maintained its comfortable fluffiness and shape for nights on end, with one consumer tester stating that it was as comfortable every night as it was the first time they used it. We also appreciated that the down is RDS-certified.
| Fill material | Duck down and feathers |
| Cover material | Cotton with polyester liner |
| Available sizes | Queen, King |
How we test pillows
To find the best pillows for you, the fiber scientists at the Good Housekeeping Institute consider all types of pillows and put them to the test. In our recent evaluations, we tested over 100 pillows both in our Lab and at home via 500+ consumer testers culminating in over 4,000 data points.
Our experts evaluate things like how well each pillow fits in a Standard pillowcase and how well it holds up to laundering. We check the care labels (PSA: some are not machine washable!) and then we wash each pillow five times to see how they last over time.
To check how well each pillow supports your head and how quickly it springs back into shape after use, we perform support and recovery tests that mimic the pressure of your head lying on it all night. To do this, we leave weights on the pillow for hours at a time and measure how quickly the pillow returns to its original shape once they're removed.
Aside from our Lab tests, we send the pillows home with real consumer testers to gauge their thoughts on how comfortable, cooling, supportive, etc. each pillow feels. We consider each tester's sleeping style and preferences before assigning them a pillow and then receive feedback after a few weeks of their sleeping experience.
What to consider when shopping for an affordable pillow
✔️ Know your materials. If scoring an affordable option is your most important goal, certain materials are better for buying on a budget. Generally, down is pricier, so it's best to opt for a down alternative or blend of down and feathers if you want to stay within budget, explains Senior Textiles Analyst Emma Seymour. Anything that's dry-clean-only is best to avoid since that provides an added expense and makes cleaning your pillows a lot more inconvenient.
✔️ Check the return policy. "If a pillow hurts to sleep on, it doesn't matter how great of a deal you got on it!" Seymour says. Checking for a generous return policy or sleep trial can help you avoid locking yourself into a pillow that isn't a great fit for you.
✔️ Determine your sleeping position. Different pillow types are better for different sleeping styles. While it's normal to flip around throughout the night and cycle through more than one position, the one you wake up in is most likely the one you spend the most time sleeping in. The right pillow will properly align your neck to avoid any pain or soreness in the morning. "When you lie on a pillow, you want to make sure your head isn’t leaning in any direction so you are in neutral alignment," says Seymour. Remember that you also need to consider your body type to pick the right pillow since those with larger statures may need more loft. Here’s what type of pillow is best for each position:
- Side: Thick and firm
- Back: Medium height
- Stomach: Thin and soft
✔️ Keep in mind your desired features. Some people sleep hot and would benefit from a pillow with temperature-regulating properties, while others like the ability to add or decrease the amount of fill in their pillow to personalize the firmness. Check out the special features and think about what matters to you most before purchasing.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
The Good Housekeeping Institute has been providing expert reviews and advice on beds, bedding and pillows for decades.
Senior textiles analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute, Emma Seymour has rigorously tested more than 100 pillows in her time at the Textiles Lab and has coordinated pillow sleep testing with hundreds of at-home reviewers. Emma has a Bachelor of Science in Fiber Science from Cornell University and has been testing bedding for more than four years at Good Housekeeping. To write this guide, GH Institute analyst Jamie Spain worked with Seymour and the Textiles team.
Jamie (she/her) is the former parenting and pets reviews analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute. She has also worked a BuzzFeed and People. She's a graduate of Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and psychology and a master’s degree in journalism.
Emma Seymour (she/her) is the associate director of the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab, where she has led testing for luggage, pillows, towels, tampons and more since 2018. She graduated from Cornell University with a bachelor of science in fiber science and apparel design and a minor in gerontology, completing research in the Body Scanner Lab on optimizing activewear for athletic performance.
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